Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the Third Tempter believe upon his arrival?(a) He was expected. (b) He is there to cause confusion. (c) He is in danger. (d) He was unexpected.

2. According to the information in the opening monologue, how many years have passed since the Archbishop has left the city?(a) Five. (b) Seven. (c) Twelve. (d) Twenty.

3. What does Becket claim is the "substance of our first act?"(a) Shadows, and the strife with shadows. (b) Temptation, and the life with temptation. (c) God and his greatness. (d) God and his mercy.

4. What metaphor does the Third Priest use to compare the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?(a) A rock and a hard place. (b) Fire and water. (c) A wolf and a sheep. (d) A hammer and an anvil.

5. What is it that the Second Tempter offers Becket?(a) His former political position. (b) The English throne. (c) A new love. (d) A new life.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the priests eager to know once the Messenger has delivered his initial message?

2. What does the Chorus claim is their purpose in the action of the play?

3. In what year does Murder in the Cathedral take place?

4. What does the Messenger call the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?

5. Why does Beckett believe that the local bishops would not support a power move like regaining his Chancellorship?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Chorus perceive the actions of the play and its part in it?

2. As Becket is being slaughtered, the Chorus speaks. What the the main idea behind their speech?

3. What are the tactics that Eliot writes into the speech of the Second Knight to persuade the audience to see their point of view?

4. Why does Becket believe it is appropriate to celebrate the martyr, Stephen, the day after Christmas?

5. Why does the Third Tempter state that joining forces with the barony would be a good idea?

6. How does Becket believe you cannot define a martyr?

7. Was Thomas Becket prepared for his temptations?

8. What does Becket see as being ironic about the peace God offered?

9. What is the tone of the Chorus' "death-bringers" speech after the Knights exit for the first time?

10. What is a method that Becket uses to outline his sermon in the Interlude?